13 Hilarious Food Realities Only Middle Easterners Understand

You will never go hungry in your grandma's house.

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In second grade, my class had a “cultural day,” where everyone brought in their favorite foods from their culture. I brought in my absolute favorite—borek—a delicious combination of phyllo dough, cheese, and parsley. I thought everyone would love it just as much as I did, but after a day passed and my mom’s baking dish was left barely touched, I realized I was, well, wrong.

If you’re Middle Eastern like me, this scenario has probably happened to you at some point. Growing up in America with a Middle Eastern culture is definitely not a walk in the park. Let’s be honest, your mom wouldn’t let you walk in the park alone anyways.

Food is such a huge part of our culture though, so it’s bound to pose some struggles along the way. But hey, looking back I wouldn’t give up any of it, especially because being Middle Eastern means an endless supply of baklava. Yes, please.

1. Trying to explain what za’atar is to your friends

Photo by Tess Wei

Or kibbeh. Or any food. Explaining your culture’s food is harder than organic chemistry—and you would know, considering doctor is one of the two jobs your family will allow you to go into (BTW, za’atar is a thyme seasoning blend, which tastes amazing with olive oil and toasty bread).

5. Your family judging you for trying fad diets

6. Holiday gatherings = 50 different kinds of food

Photo courtesy of @food on Instagram

Now, none of your friends will understand what “a lot of food” is until they go to a holiday dinner with your family. Leftovers for days weeks. Months even (pretty sure I still have leftovers in my house from Thanksgiving).